Meanwhile, security officials confirmed the death of a key TTP commander, Ihsan Farooqi, who is said to be killed in air strikes on Sunday. Farooqi operated militant training centres in Orakzai tribal region.

However, casualty figures can not be independently verified because the area is closed to journalists.

In the four-month-long operation, security forces have claimed to clear Lower Orakzai and at least 3000 Internally Displaced Persons have returned to Sturikhel in the Lower parts of the tribal region. The operation in the area has left an estimated number of 45,000 people homeless.

In another incident, militants opened fire on SHO Doaba’s vehicle in Mamu Khwr area of Hangu district. A policeman was injured in the exchange of fire. However, the SHO, Haleem Khan, escaped unhurt in the attack. Khan told journalists that militants managed to escape to the mountains following the attack.

Separately, militants fired two rockets on Orakzai Agency headquarters in Bahermela area of Hangu district. The Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) said that rockets landed on a helipad outside the building, but did not blow up.

Reader Comments (2)

Victory to the army. This is another step closer to victory in the war against terror. We must eradicate terrorism for once and for all. This is crucial time and we must support one another against the Taliban.Recommend

Another victory for our armed forces; the coordinated attacks between the air force and the army is resulting in heavy losses for the militant Taliban. It is quite apparent now that the Taliban are on the losing side now, because apart from the military action, the locals who were previously aiding the militants have now turned their backs on them.Recommend